GOOD TOKNOW
W
hile anyone can build
an environmentally
sensitive and more
energy-efficient home,
a co-house is part of a cluster
of residences that have shared
resources and a strong sense of
community with daily interaction.
Whether or not they ever live
up to the hype as a solution to
our housing crisis, co-housing
communities are winning fans
for two excellent reasons: they’re
kinder to the environment and the
residents. First trialled in Denmark
in 1960s, these villages offer an
antidote to the most modern
of diseases – loneliness.
And contrary to popular belief,
you don’t have to live in a rural
setting to enjoy one. They can exist
in big old houses, new townhouse
developments or even high-rise
buildings, and the residents have
a say in fit-out, location and cost.
“Co-housing communities are
popping up everywhere,” says
Tricia O’Donovan from Living
Not Beige, a South Australian
property developer specialising
in co-housing. “It doesn’t appeal
to everyone but if you wantEco-villag
An alternative to conventional
suburban life, co-houses are thriving- and community spirit is built-in
Tricia O’Donovan
Director,
Living Not BeigeBrett Aylen
Architect